9th Dalai Lama

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The 9th Dalai Lama, Lungtok Gyatso, was Tibet’s spiritual leader from 1810 to 1815. His full name is Lobzang Tenpai Wangchuk Lungtok Gyatso. He was born on 1 December 1805 near the Dan Chokhor monastery in Tibet. Some sources say he was an orphan, but his parents were Tendzin Chokyong and Dondrub Dolma. From infancy, he was chosen to be the Dalai Lama and was examined by Tibetan officials and Qing envoys. The Seventh Panchen Lama, Gedun Choekyi Nyima, recognized him in 1808 and gave him the name Lungtok Gyatso. He was enthroned at the Potala Palace in 1810, and a new regent was appointed that year. In 1812, the Seventh Panchen Lama gave him the vows of a novice monk. He was known for his deep interest in Buddhist teachings and his strong memory for sacred texts, studying with teachers such as Ngwang Nyandak, Jangchub Chopel, and Yeshe Gyatso. He fell ill during the Monlam Prayer Festival and died on 6 March 1815 at age 9. The whole nation mourned, and eight years later the next Dalai Lama, Tsultrim Gyatso, was recognized. Lungtok Gyatso’s body was placed in a golden reliquary in the Potala Palace.